INSIDE TASTEMAKER VIPUL SHAH'S STORE - GANESH EMPORIUM


A kaleidoscopic mix of colour, textures, and culture, the colourful, richly layered environs of Ganesh Emporium leave us awed into silence.

Resolutely Indian while also being aesthetically wide-ranging, textile phenomenon Vipul Shah’s store Ganesh Emporium is the go-to haven for textile buffs, heritage enthusiasts, and design connoisseurs from distant corners of the world. And oh yes, antiques galore!

The location of Vipul’s charming store is Instagrammable perfection thanks to a rich textile history and design legacy. Situated in the heart of Udaipur, Rajasthan, the space is a heavily-restored 17th century haveli characterized by majestic archways, high ceilings, intricate mirrored windows, and expansive courtyards.

Vipul Shah’s love for rare, heritage textiles and antiques dates back as far as he can remember. “My family has been a part of the textile business since the last six decades. My grandfather founded the business, furthered by my father. As a result, I’ve grown up amongst the most creative minds all my life”, recalls Vipul, sitting in the main courtyard of the store, flanked by painted wooden figurines and traditional Jharoka windows.


Globally infused Eclecticism. Decked in folkloric details, the haveli is a Pandora’s box of a design sanctuary – the doors leading to galleries showcasing ancient treasures, which then lead to other galleries housing more paraphernalia.

“My design aesthetic and knowledge of textiles has been a gift from my family. My design sensibilities possess an element of representing the rich Indian heritage with a modern twist, and so does this store”.

The time-honoured haveli which belonged to the treasures of the City Palace was in ruins when Vipul’s family first bought the place. The restoration alone took 20 years. With a constructed area covering more than 80,000-1,00,000 sq. feet, the dwelling originally housed 150 rooms, which the family converted into 32 galleries, each encompassing an eloquent salmagundi of cultures, eras, and styles that are a product of a keen eye.

Decked in folkloric details, the main parlour leads to a large courtyard, which then gives way to a Pandora’s box of a design sanctuary – the doors leading to galleries showcasing ancient treasures, which then lead to other galleries housing Suzani textiles, stencilled paisleys, folk embroideries, and other paraphernalia infused with a globally infected bohemian eclecticism. Two of these rooms exhibit restored Sheesh Mahal décor, utilizing the ancient craft of mirror inlay, or thikri, while others showcase remnants of Rajasthani frescos, which have been painstakingly restored by the family.


Lifestyle Tastemaker Meenakshi Kuwadekar at Ganesh Emporium

“The fine details, the intricacies of Indian art hiding behind every nook and corner, the hidden gems of Indian craftsmanship seen in the mirrored windows, thikri corners, and the refurbished frescos seen in the interiors of the havelis have been a constant source of inspiration for me and provides me an endless canvas for every design that I create”

The go-to Mecca for global finds ranging from the 17th century, Mughal tapestries and 19th century carpets to traditional weaves from the regions of Barmer and Bhuj and classical furnishings, Ganesh Emporium has it all. These unique pieces have been transformed into bespoke upholstery and decor, framed as art, and turned into one-of-a-kind handbags used as fashion-forward sartorial details.

“The fine details, the intricacies of Indian art hiding behind every nook and corner, the hidden gems of Indian craftsmanship seen in the mirrored windows, thikri corners, and the refurbished frescos seen in the interiors of the havelis have been a constant source of inspiration for me and provides me an endless canvas for every design that I create”, reiterates Vipul.

When it comes to understanding the importance of Indian art, Vipul believes that the culture of appreciating your past still prevails in the dusty corners of the country. “In the coming times, I personally see not just more designers but also aesthetes understanding and appreciating the complexity of Indian art styles and allowing it to flow into everyday life. India has a lot of hidden gems and I believe that these, when merged with contemporary art, can produce timeless results.”

Tour the extravagant space bathed in rich heritage in our exclusive feature below:

SHOP WITH TASTEMAKER VIPUL SHAH


Get inspired by the richly layered aesthetics of designer Vipul Shah and immerse into a curation culled by the visionary from The House Of Things to infuse your spaces with art and traditional sensibilities.

 

Multicolour Floral Hand-Tufted Carpet

Anandi Cushion Cover - Square

Yellow Cane Bed

 

Sharad Purnima Pichwai Painting


Vintage Hand Embroidered Tree of Life Tapestry


Pierre Jeanneret Cane Chair

 

 

Chaitanya Face Sculpture


As Blue As Indigo


Kansa Bowl

A kaleidoscopic mix of colour, textures, and culture, the colourful, richly layered environs of Ganesh Emporium leave us awed into silence.

Resolutely Indian while also being aesthetically wide-ranging, textile phenomenon Vipul Shah’s store Ganesh Emporium is the go-to haven for textile buffs, heritage enthusiasts, and design connoisseurs from distant corners of the world. And oh yes, antiques galore!

The location of Vipul’s charming store is Instagrammable perfection thanks to a rich textile history and design legacy. Situated in the heart of Udaipur, Rajasthan, the space is a heavily-restored 17th century haveli characterized by majestic archways, high ceilings, intricate mirrored windows, and expansive courtyards.

Vipul Shah’s love for rare, heritage textiles and antiques dates back as far as he can remember. “My family has been a part of the textile business since the last six decades. My grandfather founded the business, furthered by my father. As a result, I’ve grown up amongst the most creative minds all my life”, recalls Vipul, sitting in the main courtyard of the store, flanked by painted wooden figurines and traditional Jharoka windows.

Globally infused Eclecticism. Decked in folkloric details, the haveli is a Pandora’s box of a design sanctuary – the doors leading to galleries showcasing ancient treasures, which then lead to other galleries housing more paraphernalia.

“My design aesthetic and knowledge of textiles has been a gift from my family. My design sensibilities possess an element of representing the rich Indian heritage with a modern twist, and so does this store”.

The time-honoured haveli which belonged to the treasures of the City Palace was in ruins when Vipul’s family first bought the place. The restoration alone took 20 years. With a constructed area covering more than 80,000-1,00,000 sq. feet, the dwelling originally housed 150 rooms, which the family converted into 32 galleries, each encompassing an eloquent salmagundi of cultures, eras, and styles that are a product of a keen eye.

Decked in folkloric details, the main parlour leads to a large courtyard, which then gives way to a Pandora’s box of a design sanctuary – the doors leading to galleries showcasing ancient treasures, which then lead to other galleries housing Suzani textiles, stencilled paisleys, folk embroideries, and other paraphernalia infused with a globally infected bohemian eclecticism. Two of these rooms exhibit restored Sheesh Mahal décor, utilizing the ancient craft of mirror inlay, or thikri, while others showcase remnants of Rajasthani frescos, which have been painstakingly restored by the family.

Lifestyle Tastemaker Meenakshi Kuwadekar at Ganesh Emporium

“The fine details, the intricacies of Indian art hiding behind every nook and corner, the hidden gems of Indian craftsmanship seen in the mirrored windows, thikri corners, and the refurbished frescos seen in the interiors of the havelis have been a constant source of inspiration for me and provides me an endless canvas for every design that I create”

The go-to Mecca for global finds ranging from the 17th century, Mughal tapestries and 19th century carpets to traditional weaves from the regions of Barmer and Bhuj and classical furnishings, Ganesh Emporium has it all. These unique pieces have been transformed into bespoke upholstery and decor, framed as art, and turned into one-of-a-kind handbags used as fashion-forward sartorial details.

“The fine details, the intricacies of Indian art hiding behind every nook and corner, the hidden gems of Indian craftsmanship seen in the mirrored windows, thikri corners, and the refurbished frescos seen in the interiors of the havelis have been a constant source of inspiration for me and provides me an endless canvas for every design that I create”, reiterates Vipul.

When it comes to understanding the importance of Indian art, Vipul believes that the culture of appreciating your past still prevails in the dusty corners of the country. “In the coming times, I personally see not just more designers but also aesthetes understanding and appreciating the complexity of Indian art styles and allowing it to flow into everyday life. India has a lot of hidden gems and I believe that these, when merged with contemporary art, can produce timeless results.”

Tour the extravagant space bathed in rich heritage in our exclusive feature below:

SHOP WITH TASTEMAKER VIPUL SHAH

Get inspired by the richly layered aesthetics of designer Vipul Shah and immerse into a curation culled by the visionary from The House Of Things to infuse your spaces with art and traditional sensibilities.